Since its inauguration in 2017, the Urban Nation Museum has become a central hub for street art and urban contemporary culture in Berlin. In this context, Le Grand Jeu has been collaborating with the Stiftung Berliner Leben foundation, actively supporting the creation and development of the Martha Cooper Library. This institution represents the first documentation center in the world entirely dedicated to preserving documents, archives, and materials related to graffiti and street art, providing an invaluable resource for researchers, artists, and enthusiasts alike.
The Martha Cooper Library was established starting from a foundational collection of books, magazines, and other objects that reflect the history and evolution of urban visual culture. Among these initial contributions are unique items such as stickers, t-shirts, and ephemera generously donated by the renowned New York photographer Martha Cooper, whose work has been instrumental in documenting street practices around the globe.
Over time, the library has grown into a dynamic space for research, education, and public engagement, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the roots, narratives, and aesthetic developments of graffiti and street art. Through this collaboration, Le Grand Jeu contributes not only to the preservation of cultural heritage but also to fostering an international dialogue on the significance and impact of urban artistic practices.
Martha Cooper Library | Le Grand Jeu
Collaboration and development support
📍 Urban Nation, Berlin (Germany)
🗓 2017 – Ongoing